Moonbase and Surface Systems Principal Director

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

All roles require onsite presence a minimum of four days per week. Some roles may require five days onsite based on role responsibilities, business needs and manager discretion. Schedule flexibility may be available depending on the role and manager approval, including a 9/80 work schedule and compensatory time off (time off earned for hours worked beyond 40 per week) for eligible employees.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. 

 

The NASA Programs Division (NPD) in CSG serves as the company's primary interface for supporting NASA's most critical missions across human spaceflight, science, space communications, and exploration initiatives. The division provides comprehensive systems engineering, program management, and technical leadership to NASA Headquarters, field centers, and program offices nationwide.

Aerospace seeks an accomplished Moonbase and Surface Systems Principal Director (Principal Director - Technical Program Management) to establish and lead the NASA surface related Moonbase Engineering teams for the NASA Programs Division. As the Principal Director, you will serve as the senior leader and technical/programmatic authority responsible for leading and managing the team and portfolio, provide engineering direction, portfolio integration, strategic planning, and operational excellence across all NPD surface topics and activities.

 

This senior position requires a seasoned professional who can balance deep technical expertise with business acumen, strategic vision, and the ability to influence at the highest levels of Aerospace and NASA leadership. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of Aerospace's NASA portfolio and drive mission success across the nation's most ambitious space exploration and science programs.

 

This is a full-time position based in Houston, TX. Regular travel to NASA centers, Aerospace offices, and customer sites is required (approximately 30–40%).

 

What You'll Be Doing

As the Principal Director, you will:

• Provide technical oversight of the entire surface systems and Moonbase NPD portfolio—including, resource allocation, and performance metrics—and lead technical portfolio reviews with senior leadership on program health, risks, opportunities, and strategic recommendations
• Provide authoritative technical guidance and team leadership on complex systems engineering challenges across human spaceflight, science missions, and space operations
• Manage a +$30M portfolio and help ensure FFRDC offerings are available for government and customer use by growing skillsets and capabilities
• Ensure technical integration is occurring across divisions and programs to identify synergies, leverage common solutions, and enable knowledge sharing
• Build future leaders and subject matter experts
• Champion innovation and technology insertion to maintain Aerospace's technical leadership position
• Contribute technical expertise to scientific journals, publications, and patents and participate in industry-wide technical symposiums and conferences
• Represent NASA Programs Division at NASA venues and internal Aerospace forums
• Develop and implement strategic plans that align division activities with Aerospace corporate objectives and NASA mission priorities
• Ensure consistent application of Aerospace processes, quality standards, and best practices across all NASA programs.

 

 

What You Need to be Successful- Principal Director –Technical Program Management

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or another applicable STEM area is required
• 15 or more years of progressive professional experience in aerospace systems engineering, program management, or related technical leadership roles, with increasing responsibilities including staffing, mentoring, budgeting, and team building
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, complex programs or portfolios
• Expert-level knowledge of systems engineering principles, program management methodologies, and mission assurance practices
• Experience working directly with NASA programs or mission directorates
• Demonstrated ability to influence and lead at executive levels, both internally and with external customers
• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen with ability to balance technical excellence with business objectives
• Outstanding communication skills with proven ability to present complex technical and programmatic information to senior leadership and diverse stakeholders
• Experience collaborating with aerospace contractors and supplier networks
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Willingness to travel regularly (30–40%)

 

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Advanced degree(s) in engineering, physical science, or equivalent technical discipline 
• Proven track record of solving complex, ill-defined problems 
• Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$224,000.00 - $336,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.